For the first time in Playboy's hedonistic history, the iconic "Playmate of the Year" celebration was moved from Hugh Hefner's iconic Holmby Hills mansion to the glamorous grounds of the Grand Ballroom in Sin City's Palms Place Hotel & Resort on Saturday evening.

But even though he was surrounded by over 50 playmates from years gone by, Hef's face lit up like a kid in a candy store and he uttered a flabbergasted "wow" as he greeted 2009's recipient, the 50th Playmate of the Year and the first ever African-European to take the honors, Ida Ljungqvist.

Donning a form-fitting white wedding-like gown to accentuate her ultra itty bitty waist, the 27-year-old Swedish/African stunner revealed exclusively to Pop Tarts her secret to being super slim and maintaining the body that millions of men (and women) have been drooling over since she became 2008’s Miss March.

"I'm a size zero. But I carry my weight in the lower body, so I exercise moderately and I'm a vegetarian," she said. "I take Bonnie my Chihuahua hiking with me a lot and I do lots of walking. But I've never believed in pushing it too hard. It should never be a chore to exercise; you have to enjoy it or else don't do it all."

And even though Ljungqvist (who dedicated the honor to her late mother) has what most was consider to be a flawless figure, it turns out that she is pretty self-critical and almost turned down the initial offer to shoot for the men's magazine.

"This was never a dream for me; I didn't even know what Playboy was and I was scared at first," she admitted. "I have a lot of over-achiever in me so I am self-critical. But after I met Hef and saw how beautifully they portray women I was really excited. This experience has inspired me to broaden my horizons, to take chances in life."

Meanwhile Holly Madison, the only of Hef's former "Girls Next Door" to attend the busty and bountiful bash, seemed a little anxious to be standing so close to her ex and his new number one, Crystal Harris on the red carpet (she often speaks of her friendship with his other leading ladies, the Shannon twins, but doesn't seem to have built up much of an association with Harris) but we couldn't help but wonder about the PETA "Go Naked" ambassador's wardrobe selection.

"It's made all of little feathers," Madison quipped happily as we touched the unique skirt. "I can't believe I just let you touch my butt in front of everyone."

But Holly wasn't the only one with a good sense of humor, the ultimate playboy himself Mr. Hugh Hefner proved that 83 years epitomized by perennial partying and big-breasted blondes truly is the nexus to never-ending juvenescence.

"Iva is truly unique. She was born to a Tanzanian mother and a Swedish father and she traveled the globe while her father worked for UNICEF. She is fluent in three languages -- English, Swedish and Swahili," Hef told the crowd as they noshed away on the finest delicacies from chef Kerry Simon of Simon Palms Place. "Yes, a lot of us speak Swahili."

Although it turns out that the consummate sexual revolutionist almost didn’t board his private jet to Sin City and the consequences could have been brutal.

"I was feeling under-the-weather this week and nearly didn't make it here," Hef added. "But I would have killed myself if I didn't make it. This (event) tops them all; this is a special, special day for me."

Musical Artist Chaka Khan and Marc Friedland, President and Founder of Creative Intelligence, Inc. joining forces for the WRITE ON! project (to teach kids about letter writing as an art form) at the at the Creative Intelligence, Inc. studios in Los Angeles last Thursday.

Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and Taylor Hansen hanging out together poolside at L.A's The Standard last Sunday, talking about the possibility of starting a new band ...

Sporting dark designer shades, black denim shorts and a white top, Kelly Monaco spotted enjoying a cocktail at Palms Pool & Bungalows on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, the "Peep Show" starlet was soaking up some sun at Bare pool lounge at The Mirage on a luxury day bed with a few friends. Next to them in VIP was R&B singer and producer, Ray J.

"Twilight" hottie Peter Facinelli on the pool deck at West Hollywood's Skybar in The Mondrian Hotel having a few rounds of drinks with a pal on Tuesday night.

"The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night dressed in a feathered wrestler’s robe all ready to protect her "man interest," WWE Superstar MVP during the taping of WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown.

Sacramento Kings player Spencer Hawes celebrating his 21st birthday at N9NE Steakhouse inside the Palms in Sin City with an entourage of 15 on Tuesday night.

Musician Maxwell making sure his manager saved him a Sony Cierge gift bag (meant for the guests!) at his long-awaited album release party at the Sony Club on Tuesday night.

Zac Efron suiting up in LOVA for the premiere of 17 Again in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday.

First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and 160 Congressional spouses volunteering at Feeding America at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C on Wednesday.

Perez Hilton and Aubrey O'Day at West Hollywood's Key Club for Monster Energy Drink's 4th Annual Music Saves Lives event on Thursday night.

"Twilight's" Ashley Greene helping LA designer Joseph Agi launch his For Joseph 2009 Spring/Summer Collection with a private party at the new Kitson Melrose store on Thursday night. Kellan Lutz stopped by with his brothers and some friends to support his on-screen sister while "90210’s" Jessica Lowndes, sporting the signature For Joseph signature leather jacket, chatted with upcoming "Fame" star Kherington Payne.

Lindsay Lohan at the launch of her tanning line Sevin Nyne at Sephora in Santa Monica on Thursday evening. She was later spotted nearby at the Fairmont Hotel.

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey celebrating their one-year anniversary at the Palms Casino Resort on Thursday. The night started out with dinner for 50 family and friends (including Antonio "LA" Reid, Steve Bartles, Tyrese Gibson, Sanaa Lathan and Floyd Mayweather) at Simon at Palms Place. After midnight the party moved to Moon Nightclub inside the fantasy tower at the Palms where Mr. Mariah, aka Nick Cannon, surprised his wife with a video presentation of great moments from their first year of marriage. Everyone in the club toasted them while Nick and Mariah cut into a towering white Duncan Hines cake just as 1,000 Balloons were released into the sky when the Moon roof opened. Nick then took over the DJ booth and spun a special mix for the packed club.

Queen Latifah and Spike Lee (separately) lounging by the pool bar at Miami's Delano on Friday.

DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) spinning at The Palms Rain nightclub on Friday while Holly Madison danced in the VIP.